The President is a practical man. And last night his speech cemented long term victory in some essential public opinion and media battlegrounds.
Chuck Todd, practically whining this morning, right after he had even remarked on Republican hardline having contributed to this "crisis", asked John Thune "You don't want to do this again in nine months, do you?"
Thune had to equivocate.
The long game may irritate many of us. The President's compromising and lack of angrily attacking the crazies may make many of us crazier. But the President scored big last night.
If the Republicans try to create another three-ring debt ceiling circus next year, they'll be hurting only themselves.
Americans don't want this debate now, or ever again.
Do not miss the important media wars that have been won. And here they are:
Mr. Obama cemented victory last night in these vital media wars:
1) Default=crisis. US can't default
This is now fact. No default. Default is now permanently established as a "has to be prevented" crisis.
The Repubs lost that ground. Lost forever.
All those ticking time clocks on TV are countdown to destroying the economy. If the Repubs start this again next year, they have to start with "Default cannot be allowed".
2) "Three ring circus" is a DC fakery. Balance is the way to go.
And poll after poll shows no matter how much the media tries to share the blame, people know it's the Repubs supporting the rich that's creating the circus. The President consistently seems reasonable, willing, smart, responsible and trying to stop political impasse.
This may make many of us furious. But will serve the protection of the Supreme Court by Mr. Obama's re-election well.
3) Rich have to pay their fair share. Just ask Reagan.
The President was very clear about that last night. Very. And 98% of the country agrees.
If the Repubs start this mess again, campaigning against them on "They want to protect the rich" will be even easier.
Especially if taxing the rich gets left out of any "just prevent the crisis" agreement now.
Americans expect the President to do something about making the rich pay their fair share, just like he says they should. When he does, he will have an excellent campaign point.
These are huge points to make the "common wisdom".
And whatever happens now, the media having to use them as facts, creates the foundation for
1) The President doing whatever is necessary to prevent default.
2) Making the Republicans hurt themselves, not the President, if they try to start up this "three ring circus" again and again.
In the long game, the President is winning.
And, yes, like many of you, I am worried the President will tamper with Medicare/Social Security. Besides not wanting that, it will reduce a campaign advantage. But am trying to believe that he simply isn't that stupid. He won't cut benefits.
The President always tries to move forward, no matter what the situation. He truly believes any incremental change in the right direction is a victory. And while he would like "Grand bargains", if he can't get one, he'll take whatever move forward can happen.
We may love or hate this. But it's the President we got. And he plays the long game.
Do your part, contact your Representatives, whether they are red or blue. Let them realize Americans listen to their President and don't want a "Three ring circus".
This is our job as voters. Even if it seems hopeless, it's still our job.